The significance of religion and religiosity in the contemporary world

fundamentalism

defined as a ‘pattern of religious militancy’ and direct opposition to secularisation

fundamentalist religion- based on a literal interpretation of religious texts

media focus

Islamic fundamentalism- growing force in Muslim countries

characteristics

• patriarchal

• attracted to conspiracy theories

• believe or seek out prophecies

• radical change

explanation 1: modernity

• Giddens (late modernist) sees fundamentalism as a reaction to modernity/globalisation

• confusion and uncertainty = dogmatic beliefs are appealing

explanation 2: postmodernity

• Bauman sees fundamentalism as a response to PM

• greater individualism and choice = uncertainty, so the absolute truth of fundamentalism groups are attractive

Castells responses to postmodernity

• resistant identity; a defensive reaction of those who feel threatened and retreat into fundamentalist communities

• project identity: response of those who engage with social movements e.g. feminism

monotheism

Bruce- fundamentalism is confined to monotheistic religions, as they aren’t open to interpretation like polytheistic religions

‘two fundamentalisms’

Bruce compares fundamentalism in the west and third world; in the west it is a reaction to change in modern society

third world; reaction to outside values being thrust upon them

secular fundamentalism

Davie says there have been new emergences of secular fundamentalism which links to changes in modern society

• first phase; Enlightenment philosophy, progress based on power of science and human reason

• secularises all areas of social life in Europe= undermines religious certainties

second phase

post 1970s- enlightenment philosophy criticised due to uncertainty caused by globalisation

led to nationalism (Yugoslavia)

clash of civilisations

Huntington (Neo-Conservative) argued religion and religious identity in the contemporary world is closely related to different civilisations

e.g. western, slavic-orthodox= Orthodox Christian and Muslim civilisations

Huntington (2)

• globalisation = world becoming smaller place, increasing interactions between civilisations

• suggested that globalisation would intensify conflict between civilisations

‘them and us relationship’

globalisation

cultural defence (Poland)

Catholicism was a significant part of Polish culture that was being oppressed by a Communist state but some people practiced in secret to express their culture

Iran

increases in forms of Islamic fundamentalism in response to Western intervention

Nanda - religion and development

Hinduism has changed to help the economic growth of India

• globalisation has created increasingly religious, scientifically educated urban MC

• ^ the people whom secularisation theory predicts will be the first to abandon religion in favour of a secular world view

• increase in religious tourism = being religious now fashionable

Indian nationalism

globalism has fueled this = compared to any country Indians are more likely to agree their country isn’t perfect, but superior

(93% in survey)

India’s economy

India’s economy was closely monitored by the state= now its market has been liberated and ‘Hinduised’ at the same time

• As Indians become richer they donate to their temples

• traditonally= Hindus led a self-denying lifestyle rejecting wealth

• new wealthy Hindus now see material, religious and national success as same thing

Nanda rejects

poverty and existential security theory = not poor

and religiosity is a defensive reaction to modernisation and westernisation

INSTEAD argues is the result of ambivalence to new found wealth